Grill Sergeants took the top prize for team members Antoine Guerrier, Savannah Casey and Tevin Mathis.
(Marietta, Ga. – April 23, 2015) Garbage cans took on a new use at Chattahoochee Technical College’s Mountain View Campus Thursday. The college’s White Hat Brigade – a student organization for Culinary Arts students – held a barbecue competition with 15 students competing in four teams for recognition and prizes. Prizes, which included Chattahoochee Technical College paraphernalia and cutlery, were donated by the White Hat Brigade and Mercer Culinary.
Students were asked to enter two of the three categories of brisket, pork shoulder, or pork ribs. Side dishes were also required, which could include everything from cole slaw and macaroni to jalapeno poppers and potato salad. Students had approximately 4 hours to cook over the open flames in a galvanized garbage can that had been bought specifically for the event. Each category was judged on taste/flavor, presentation, and texture/tenderness.
This was not the first time for the event, which was last held five years ago. According to Program Director Chef Hillary Gallagher, the students showed an interest so the event was revived. Each fall students in the program have the opportunity to compete in chili cook offs and gingerbread house competitions.
“It is an important facet of the program for students to be involved,” said Gallagher. “Students enjoy the chance to have fun outside the classroom and it gives them additional familiarity that they might not otherwise experience.”
It was the opportunity to participate that drew Culinary Arts Student Savannah Casey of Cartersville to the competition. Casey, who works at Barnsley Gardens in addition to going to school at Chattahoochee Technical College, was a one of the members of the winning team, Grill Sergeants team.
“I did the chili cook off before and wanted to continue to be involved,” said Casey. “In high school I was always finding opportunities to participate so I am happy to carry that over to college as well.”
Teams and results included:
The Big Whisk (third place overall; first in student’s choice):
- Noah Bazarte of Marietta
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- Alec Beaty of Marietta
- Karli Painton of Dallas
- Megan Trax of Acworth
Sweet Smoke BBQ (fourth overall):
- Breana Poole of Power Springs
- Sewon Jung of Lawrenceville
- Ronalyn Menorca of Marietta
- Zandra Buser of Marietta
Divine Swine (second overall):
- Christina Sanchez of Smyrna
- Ashley Laster of Marietta
- Montinque Baugh of Acworth
- Rashaan Evans of Atlanta
Grill Sergeants (first overall):
- Antoine Guerrier of Douglasville
- Savannah Casey of Cartersville
- Tevin Mathis of Kennesaw
According to Guerrier of the winning team, the secret to the brisket and ribs prepared by the three team members “was all about the rub.”
Chattahoochee Technical College offers diploma and degree programs through its respected Culinary Arts program at the Mountain View Campus. The 62-hour degree program prepares students for the culinary profession. The program emphasizes a combination of culinary theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Graduates who are current practitioners will benefit through enhancement of career potential. Those entering the culinary arts field will be prepared to pursue diverse opportunities as cooks, bakers or caterers/culinary managers.